Abstract: The objective of this Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) program is to integrate finite element simulations of residual stress fields, physically based life prediction methods, and inspections for cold worked (CX) fastener holes into depot maintenance practices. For decades, the aircraft industry has used cold working of fastener holes to enhance the service life (fatigue performance) of critical, highly stressed structure. Although the structure directly benefits and is much less prone to failure, current requirements for structural inspections are very stringent. This is because the current analysis methods used to set inspection intervals do not take into account the beneficial residual stress fields that result from the cold work process. The efforts under this program have shown that the United States Air Force (USAF) can increase inspection intervals by as much as five times if the physically based residual stress fields are incorporated into analysis procedures. This program has successfully integrated a series of tools to accomplish the objective for A-10 application and capture the Return-On-Investment afforded by the implementation.

Recent News & Events

Quick Links

Testimonials

“We have been having very good success using the P-Version finite element code, StressCheck®, to develop the 2-D solutions for two independent cracks in a plate. I have asked one of our AFGROW team members to model the plate and lug cases using StressCheck® and compare them to the existing AFGROW closed-form solutions. [He] modeled the cases several different ways to be sure that he was getting the best possible solutions. He has verified that the bearing load option in StressCheck® provides excellent results”

ESRD, Inc. collects your information for the sole purpose of identifying interest in our products and technologies. The information you provide herein will not be shared with any other organization. Please ensure the fields are up to date and click "Download" to download the software.